reductionism

noun/rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm/

Frequency rank: #19,660 most common English word

Meaning

The practice of explaining complex phenomena by breaking them down into simpler, more basic parts or principles.

Illustration for the English word “reductionism”

Example sentence

His explanation of human behavior relies on reductionism, reducing complex emotions to simple chemical reactions.

Synonyms & related words

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